World
Supreme Court Decision on Drafting Ultra-Orthodox Men
Learn about the recent Supreme Court decision regarding drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the military and its implications on the Israeli society and military service policies.
Israel’s Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on Tuesday, declaring that the military must start drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. The decision poses a challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The court’s unanimous decision was based on the absence of a legal basis for the long-standing military exemption granted to many ultra-Orthodox religious students.
Background and Controversy
In a country where military service is mandatory for most Jewish men and women, the exemption for ultra-Orthodox individuals has been a contentious issue among secular Israelis. The exemption has drawn increased criticism during the prolonged conflict in Gaza, with demands for a more equitable distribution of the military burden. The Supreme Court ruling highlights the deep divide between secular Jews and the ultra-Orthodox community.
The court’s decision not only impacts the drafting of ultra-Orthodox men but also challenges the government’s support for religious schools, known as yeshivas. The ruling restricts subsidies to yeshivas that enroll draft-age students whose exemptions are no longer deemed legal. This aspect of the ruling has sparked opposition from ultra-Orthodox politicians.
The exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews dates back to the establishment of Israel in 1948, when their autonomy was promised in exchange for support in creating a predominantly secular state. However, with the evolving dynamics of Israeli society and ongoing conflicts, the issue of military service exemptions has come under renewed scrutiny.
Despite the exemption, some ultra-Orthodox men have voluntarily joined the military, particularly during the recent conflict in Gaza. This shift in participation has indicated a growing sense of shared responsibility among certain segments of the ultra-Orthodox community towards mainstream Israelis.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s ruling has significant implications for Israel’s military conscription policies and the relationship between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities in the country.